Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 24112, Joel Elmer, Conn.

SERVICE
NUMBER
born
Elmer, Joel Gillah
N. 24 1/2
CONTENTS
[Faint handwritten marks on the left side of the contents section]
[Faint handwritten marks on the right side of the contents section]

New York N o 24, 932
Joel Elmer of Allegany Co. in the State of N. York who was a Pr. & Sergt. in the _____ commanded by Captain _____ of the Regt. commanded by Col. May in the Const. Troops time for 6 months Pr. 20.00 2 " Sergt. 10.00 30.00
Inscribed on the Roll of New York at the rate of 30 Dollars _____ Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1834.
Certificate of Pension issued the 21 st day of March 1834 and sent to Stephen Cook Centerville, Allegany Co. N.Y.
Arrears to the 4th of March 1834 90.00 Semi-ant. allowance ending Sep. " 15.00 $105.00
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by D. Brown Clerk, Book E. Vol. 4 Page 55

Reported
169. New York Albany Zillah Elmer widow of Joel Elmer Conn. who served in the Revolutionary war, as a private Sergt.
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 30 Dollars
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.
Certificate of Pension issued the 28 th day of July 1848. and sent to
A. J. Lyon Rushford N.Y.
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2, 1818, Page 65 Vol. 4.

Declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress of the 7 th June 1832. State of New York : On this 13 th day of February Albany County ss. 1833 personally appeared in open court, before the Court of General Sessions, now sitting, Noel Elmer, a resident of Warne, in the County of Allegany and State of New York, aged seventy one years, who being first duly sworn, doth, on his oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832. That he entered the service of the United States under the following names officers, and served as herein stated, I entered the service of the United States about the first of April in the year 1777. for six months, and served under Capt. Rogers, in Colonel Ennis's Regiment, Genl. Parsons Brigade, of the Connecticut State Troops, I enlisted in Sharon, Litchfield County, State of Connecticut, under Ensign David Resce, Lieutenant Moore & Pritchett, I joined the company at the house of the aforesaid Capt. Rogers, in the town of Cornwall, County and State aforesaid, and marched from Cornwall through Kent, New Milford, Danbury, Old Canaan & Stamford to Horsneck, our place of rendezvous, where we joined the Regiment commanded by the aforesaid Col. Ennis. We marched through Danbury a few days after it was burned by the British. — We remained at Horsneck a few weeks keeping guard, and from thence we marched to a place called Crompond, in the State of New York, where we remained a few days, and from thence to West Point, where we remained the greatest part of the summer, under the command of a French Engineer (name forgotten) building a fort then called Fort Putnam. About one month before the expiration of my six months engagement, we were ordered on an expedition. We marched as follows, from West Point we crossed the river, and marched through Crompond and the White Plains to East Chester. While at a place then called Dog Point, above New York, we burned a vessel, (I believe a Schooner) laden with supplies for the British,

then laying in New York. While at that point we took about thirty prisoners, and some cattle, Horses, and some goods, and from thence we marched to Horse neck, my time of enlistment having expired, I was dismissed and went home,
In the Spring of 1778 I enlisted at Sharon, Litchfield County Connecticut, for Six months, to drive a team. I enlisted under Capt. Green, & Colonel May, and Bastwick of the forage Department, During the Spring and fore part of the summer, we were engaged transporting forage from Dutchess County New York, and from Kent, Cornwall & Greenwich Ct. to the Head Quarters at Fishkill in the State of New York. The latter part of the summer the teams getting reduced I went in company with three soldiers and four captains names, Capt. Liburn, Nimble, Littlejohn & Curtis, into the towns of Lansborough, Lenox, Pittsfield & Barrington in Massachusetts, to collect some continental Horses that had been left there by government to recruit. We collected about one hundred and fifty Horses in the abovementioned towns, and drove them to a place then called Oblong, in Dutchess County, New York, and delivered them to the charge of Major Quackenbush, of the Forage Department. My term of enlistment having expired, I was dismissed, and went home,
I went from Sharon Ct. to Redding Ct. the latter part of fall or the first part of winter 1778, as a substitute for my father Daniel Elmer, in the army of regular troops, and remained there through the winter till Spring. During my term of service at the place, I was occasionally called on to keep camp guard, but the principal part of the time I was employed as a cook to Orderly Serjeant Scollins. I was in Capt. Green's company, Col. Bradley's Regiment, Genl. Huntington's Brigade. During my term of service at Redding, I saw a man, an inhabitant living near Danbury, hanged about two miles from our camp, for leading the British to Danbury, at the time it was burned,

At the same time I saw a soldier shot for desertion. He belonged to Col. Starrs Regt. Genl. Huntington Brigade. In the spring of 1779, after the snow was all gone, my father Daniel Elmer, for whom I was a substitute, came and took my place, I returned home, having been in service at this time, as near as I can recollect between three and four months.
In July 1779, I entered the service in the Continental troops, or army, as a substitute for my brother Daniel Elmer at Nelsons point, opposite West point on the Hudson River, a short time before the taking of Stony point by Genl. Wayne, I was in Capt. Woodbridge Company, Col. Swift, Regiment, Genl. Huntington, Brigade. We remained sometime at said Nelsons point keeping guard and from thence we marched to Old orchard in Pukaskill then so called. Whilst at Pukaskill there were three soldiers belonging to Sheltons Regiment of light horse, that were sentenced to be hanged for desertion, one of them was hanged and the other two were reprieved under the gallows. We remained at Pukaskill, keeping guard, until late in the fall, when orders were given to march to winter quarters at Valley Forge in Pennsylvania. We commenced our march, and marched one day, I was in the rear guard, we crossed the Hudson river at Kings Ferry, and encamped for the night, in the woods, about one mile from the river. Here my brother Daniel Elmer for the man for whom I was a substitute, came and took my place, I returned home, it being near or about Christmas after having been in service at this time according to the best of my recollection about five months.
In the month of February 1782 I was drafted in the town of Sharon, Litchfield County Connecticut, for two months, I marched from Sharon under command of Capt. Bristol, Lieutenant Goff, to the garrison near Stamford, where we joined the regiment, commanded by Lieut. Col. Saml. Canfield who signed the sergeant's warrant accompanying this document.

I was appointed Serjeant and performed the duties of my office during the two months, keeping guard at said garrison near Stamford, and patrolling and scouting. After which time I received the Serjeant's warrant which accompanies this document, was dismissed and returned home.
Since I left the service of the United States I lived in Sharon Ct. about two years, from Sharon I removed to Ulster County N.Y. where I resided about eleven years, from thence I removed to Delhi in Delaware County N.Y. where I resided three years, from Delhi I removed to Hattinck, Otsego County N.Y. where I resided six years, from thence I removed to Seneca in Ontario County N.Y. where I resided twelve years, from thence I removed to Hume, now called Hume in Allegany County New York, where I now reside & have resided for sixteen years past.
I am well acquainted with Moses I. Studer and Joshua Skiff.
I hereby relinquish every claim whatever to a pension except the present, and declare that my name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State.
Sworn to, and subscribed the day _____ a year aforesaid.
We, John Bostwick & Moses Studer residing in the town of Riga, and Joshua Skiff, residing in the town of Hume, Allegany County New York, hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Joel Elmer who has subscribed, and sworn to the above declaration that we believe him to be seventy one years of age; that he is respected and beloved, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in the above opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the day _____ a year aforesaid.

W Sherman Clerk
Joshua Skiff Hovey & Sikes...
And the said court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories presented by the War Department, the abovenamed applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them, that Moses Station who has signed the foregoing certificate, as a clergyman, a resident in the town of Hume  Leicester , and that Joshua Skiff, who has also signed the same, is a resident in Hume, and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit,
W Sherman
Alvan Burr Amos A. Boston
Be. I, Jason W Sherman Clerk of the Court of General Sessions do hereby certify that the foregoing contains proceedings of said court in the matter of the application of Joel Elmer for a pension,
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of Office this 13 th day of February one thousand eight hundred and thirty three,
W Sherman Clerk

And this deponent further saith that he was born at Sharon in the State of Connecticut in the year 1761
That he has no record of his age that it is on the town book in the State of Connecticut
That he twice volunteered his services twice a substitute and once was drafted
That he is the identical Joel Elmer named in the sergeants accompanying this declaration that there is no Clergyman in the neighborhood who is acquainted with this deponent but that Joshua Skiff and Moses Stulson live in the immediate neighborhood of this de- ponent and can testify to his character for truth and veracity and their belief of his services as a soldier of the revolution.
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid
W. Sherman Clerk
Joel Elmer

State of New-York 3 Albany County 3 ss. On this 19 th day of February A.D. 1845. Personally appeared before me Abram P. Lyon one of the judges of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County aforesaid, Gillah Elmer, a resident of the town of Hume in said County, aged 74 years who being by me first duly sworn, according to law, doth on her oath, make the following Declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions made by the act of Congress, passed March 3 rd 1843. And the act of June 17. 1844. "Entitled an act, granting half pay and pensions to certain widows." - That she is the widow of Joel Elmer, who was a soldier in the army of the Revolution, as she believes will appear by reference to his papers now on file in the pension office, on which he drew his pension. And that her husband drew a pension at the rate of thirty dollars per annum, under the Act of Congress, passed, July 9. 1832. And that he resided at the town of Hume, in the County and State aforesaid, at the time he drew his pension.
And she further declares that she was mar- ried to the said Joel Elmer, at the town of Sharon, in the County of Litchfield, State of Connecticut, by C. P. M c Smith, the settled min- ister of said town of Sharon, on the 13 th day of March A.D. 1783. And that her husband the said Joel Elmer, died on the 13 th day of August 1844. at the town of Hume aforesaid, and that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service, but the marriage took place previous to the first day of January 1792. Namely at the time above stated.
And she further declares that she has a family record of the date of her marriage, and the ages of her children, which will be her-

unto annulled, And she further declares that she is still the widow of the said Joel Elmer and has not since Married, and fur- ther this deponent saith not. Sworn and subscribed her Gillah K Elmer before me the day and year first above written mark
A Haysen Judge Of Allegany County Court
I hereby Certify that Gillah Elmer the person who made the foregoing Declaration before me is unable by reason of age bodily infirmity to appear in Open Court or write her name A Haysen Judge
State of New York Allegany County
Clerks Office for J. H. Hudson Clerk of Said County do hereby certify that A Haysen before whom the above Affidavit was taken was at the date of the same a Judge of Allegany County Court for Said County and that I am well acquainted with his handwriting and verily believe his name subscribed thereto is his genuine Signature - Note Judge of Allegany County written on Erasure & Comes in interlined by me
Witness my hand and the Seal of Said County this 21 st day of March 1845 W. Hudson Clerk

State of Connecticut Litchfield County ss -
On this 10 th day of April A.D. 1845
Personally appeared before the subscribers a portion of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid. The Rev. Grove L. Brownell, also being duly sworn, declares and says, that he is the Pastor of the First Congregational Church in Sharon, in the County aforesaid and keeper of the Records of said Church, and that the following is a true extract from the Records of said Church - Vizt.
March Thirteenth one thousand seven hundred and eighty three } Joel Elmer & Lila Foster both of Sharon were married -
That the foregoing is a true extract from said Records except the date which is inserted in fair copy from the original - March 13 } Joel Elmer and Lila Foster both of 1783. } Sharon were married - G. L. Brownell.
Sworn before me Chas F. Sedgwick Justice of the Peace

State of Connecticut District of Litchfield
I Charles F. Sedgwick, Judge of the Court of Probate for the District aforesaid do certify that Charles F. Sedgwick Esq. is a distinguished the Poem in aid of the County of Litchfield in social state, and that the foregoing official signature by him purporting to be such is genuine —
7139
Witness my hand and the Seal of said Court at Haver in said District this 18 th day of April
1845
Chas. F. Sedgwick Judge

Joel Bryan Elmer
Born August the 1st in the year 1862
Zillah the Elmer
wife was Born December the 22 in the year 1868 and married March the 13 in the year of 1923
William Elmer
and
Born
William Elmer
and
1875
State of Connecticut Litchfield Co. ss. The Decree of the Court of Probate for the District of Litchfield

for Emerson and son of James H. Clark Elmer born September 13 in the year of 1783 and to Elmer Deane and Elmer and Gillah his wife born October 23 in the year of 1825 and October 18 to Thomas Mayhew born Oct 18, 1835 Elmer

22870
Joel Elmer Allegany County N. York
f
Susp D
adm D
Stephen Cook Centerville Allegany Co. N. York.

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
May 25 183 3
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: { ). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
A Statement, showing the Service of Joel Elmer Allegany County N. York
   Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant's service Rank of the claimant. Names and Rank of the Company officers under whom he served. Names and Rank of the General and Field officers. Battles in which the applicant was engaged. Country through which he marched. Place of abode when he entered the service, and age at the present period. Evidence by which the declaration is supported.   Years. Months. Days.     April 1777 6 Mr Capt. Rogers Col. Ennis Gen. Parsons N. Y. aged 71 Sharon Litchfield   1778 6 " Capt. Peers Col. Hay bo- 71 Traditionary   " 304 " Capt. Green Col. Brady Living Witness   July 1779 5 " Capt. Woodbridge Col. Swift Documentary   Feb. 1782 2 Sergt Capt. Gris Col. Loomis   1 7 Gen Colonel  
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.

REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.
The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers," all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c. Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of Private Armed Vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
 1. The Regular Troops.  2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.  3. Persons employed in the Naval service.  4. Indian Spies. 
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians or privates, will in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.
DECLARATION,
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of } ss. County of }
On this _____ day of _____ personally appeared (a) before A. B. a resident (b) of _____ in the county of _____ and State, Territory or District of _____ aged (c) _____ years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d) _____, with _____ and served in the _____ (e) regiment of the _____ line, under the following named officers:
[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. [This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.]
He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of _____
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
A. B.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
I, _____ of the Court of _____ do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of _____ for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this _____ day of _____ &c.
If, on examination of the proper record the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the _____ and C. D. residing in (the same) _____ hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with _____, who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be _____ years of age; that he is respected and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the _____ Station, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A. B.
who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the _____ and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the _____ and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, _____ Clerk of the Court of _____ do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of _____ for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this _____ day of _____ &c.
Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction.
If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration (l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person

will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the in- T , if one be at- tempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable de can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County, in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.
The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
 1. Where and in what year were you born?  2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?  3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?  4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?  5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.  6. { To a Soldier. { Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given and what has become of it? { To an Officer. { Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it? 
7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution.
The Court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons, one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify, to the character and standing of other persons, giving such certificates.
The traditional evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades:—For _____ year _____ months, and _____ days, I served as a _____. For _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____; and for such service I claim a pension."
It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months , is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
[g] The opinion of the Court is always required.
[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[i] The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.
Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
Proof of Service.
[j] In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
[k] The notes from [a] to [j] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in note [j] applies to continental troops only.
[l] This traditional evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[m] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[n] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.
R. Stewart

Samuel Canfield Esq. Lieut. Col. o Commandant Of a Regiment of Connecticut State Troops
To Joel Elmer — Greeting
Reposing special Trust and Confidence in your Fidelity Courage and good Conduct I do constitute and appoint you to the said post of Lieut. Col. o Commandant in said Regiment. You are therefore carefully and diligently to exercise your said Office by performing all the Duties thereof & I do hereby require all Noncommissioned Officers and Soldiers under your command to be obedient unto your orders as their Superior. Likewise you are to observe all such Orders and directions as from time to time you shall receive from me or other your Superior Officers for which this shall be your sufficient Warrant.
Given under my hand at the Garrison near Stamford the 28 th April 1782
Sam l H. Canfield Lieut. Col. Com d g
ELMER JOEL (CONN'S) W-24112

FHC
New York (on page 1) 15 Feb. 1832
J. L. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions War Department Washington City D.C.
see letter app. 200

Centerville Allegany County State of New York 4. Feb. 1832 In the matter of Joel Elmer application for a pension under the act of Congress of June 1832.
Allegany County ss State of New York ss Personally appeared before me, Porter Hanks, one of the Justices of the Peace in and for the said County of Allegany. Joel Elmer, and made oath in due form of Law that when he was a substitute for his Father Daniel Elmer in the war of the Revolution in the enlistment of the Winter of 1778 he was in Captain Greens Company, but that said company was first raised by Capt. Solomon Strong of Sharon Connecticut and that said Captain Strong was displaced or New Arrangements were made (the cause of which he does not now recollect) and Captain Green took command and under whom he enlisted as substitute for his Father in Col. Broadleys Regiment and Gen. Huntingtons Brigade and that during said enlistment he did answer when on duty to the name of his Father Daniel Elmer, for whom he was a substitute, and that his (Joel Elmer) name was not known on the rolls of said enlistment, but did answer when on such duty, thus, by permission of the Officers under whom he served and by the request of his Father, for whom he served, and who did enlist during the war, he also deposes and says that he served in this enlistment, as he stated in his Deposition at the time he made his declaration, but that this is in amendment, - he always answered to the name of his father Daniel Elmer and that he knows of no one now living who can testify to this fact, also says he did serve in this enlistment as near as he can recollect between three and four months, when his father Daniel Elmer did relieve him, and he was dismissed and went home said Joel Elmer also deposes and says that when he was a substitute for his Brother Daniel Elmer Jr in the war of the Revolution and in the enlistment of July 1779 he was in Captain Woodbridges Company, and Col. Swifts Regiment and Gen. Huntingtons Brigade, that he served as he stated in his declaration, but that he does amend and say that during said enlistment he did answer to the name of said Daniel Elmer Jr. for whom he was a substitute and that his (Joel Elmer) name was not known on the rolls of said enlistment but did answer when on duty, thus, by permission of the officers under whom he served and by request of his Brother for whom he was substitute, and who did enlist for three years, and that his Brother Daniel Elmer did obtain a furlough during which time deponent did serve as substitute, he also says that he knows of no one now living who can testify to this fact, has spent much time and labor to find evidence, but has proved so far unsuccessful in his attempts, he further saith that he did serve as near as he can recollect five months in this enlistment, when his brother Daniel Elmer Jr. did relieve him by returning to the service himself, and deponent was dismissed and went home - Deponent also says that he did serve in the Revolutionary war at five different times as set forth in his application, but that being old and of decaying memory has omitted giving the above details.

until reminded by the Department of his negligence, and also that he has used his best endeavours to obtain evidence, and substantiated in his character by many of his neighbours, and might obtain and might obtain the belief of many more of them that he served as he stated in his declaration, he also hopes to receive in return for his past efforts for his country as consideration favourable from the Department as his conscience tells him he is entitled to
Sworn and Subscribed before H. C. E. Lewis Me the day and year above written Porta Flank Justice

Canterville 4 Feb. 1834.
To J. L. Carrara commissioner of Pensions
Dear Sir in answer to yours dated 29 Oct. 1833. in which you state that more proof is wanted in the matter of application of Joel Elmer for a Pension was rec d . Rec d . in due time, the cause which prompted the department to require more proof was as you alluded to because the applicant's name did not appear on the Rolls of certain Regiments when he was substitute in 2 enlistments. Sir the reasons I hope you will consider as explained away in the subjoined affidavit of Joel Elmer, we have taken considerable pains and written to Connecticut to find proof and other sources in quest of information about certain persons who were living in those by gone days of which I have this day had painted in faithful light to my imagination, it cannot be otherwise than true that Mr Elmer served as he stated he is considered as a man of the most profound truth, and of the most strict integrity, which he can substantiate with the names of every person who ever knew him as far my knowledge extends, he is very old and judgment yet sound, but failing in memory and of course cannot go into minutiae in way of explanation of particulars while in the services of his country, he requests me to say to you that if you consider any part of his services proved to your satisfaction, that you will send a certificate of such part. I think you cannot consider it otherwise than satisfactory what he has proved by documentary evidence, the sergants warrant for 2 months and six months proved by affidavits prefixed, and we hope you will consider him favourably on the whole as we do place the most explicit confidence of the old gentleman's assertions in regard to his having served in the war of the Revolution, hope we will receive information soon,
I am Dear Sir yours, with esteem Stephen Cook

Rev
WIDOW, &c.
Jan
File No. 24112
Gilliah Elmer Wid of Joel Elmer Sergt Rev War
Act: Feb 2nd 1848
Index:—Vol. A , Page 215
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Vol. 2 Page 44 Recorded in Book A
[Act of JUNE 17, 1844.]
Albany N.Y. 29 day of May 1845
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 80 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 13 day of March  August , 1844. Certificate of Pension issued the 29 day of May 1845 and sent to J. Johnson Esq. Albany N.Y.
59 New York Wykyl Elmer widow of Joel Elmer who was a Br. Peter in the Conn. Line
up

Albany 59 New York
Hannah Elmer widow of Joel Elmer who was a Pri & Sgt in the Conn t Line
rep a
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 30 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March , 1844. 13 th August
Certificate of Pension issued the 29 day of May. 1845 and sent to
J. J. Lyon Esq. Rushford NY
[Act of JUNE 17, 1844.]
Recorded in Book A Vol. 2 Page 74

7159 Zillah Elmer. N.Y.
Act 3 March '43 m 83. & 44. 13. aug.
adm  6 mo pre 2. serg.
$ 30. from 13. aug. '44 the day of her husband's death No 106.
A. J. Lyon Esq. Rushford N.Y.

7159 Spruce 28/45.
Col Zillah Elmer
March 28 1843.
on No 9
J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
D.C.

Krusford April 21 st 1845
Sir
England I send you the declaration and evidence in the claim of Zillah Elmer Widow of Genl Elmer for a pension under the acts of Congress of the 3 d of March 1843 and the 17 th June 1844
I am very respectfully Your Most Servant A H Lyon
Hon J. L. Edwards Chair of pension

I do hereby certify and declare that I have been acquainted with Mr Joel Edmeston of the town of Thorne County of Allegany and State New York who has now made application for a pension from a troo and do certainly know that he has always sustained an honest character and has always been considered as a man of truth and veracity I was also personally acquainted with the circumstance of his Enlistment under Ensign Ruesco for six months and that he actually did go into the army and perform the service as he has stated in his declaration for I was then living in the same town with him and I have also good reason to believe that all that he has stated concerning his said terms of service are true and correct certified by me  John Bostwick  Subscribed & sworn to February 9 th 1833 before me Luther Cook Justice of the Peace of the town of Pike County of Allegany and State of New York
Allegany County Clerks Office  Jason W Shenman Clerk of said County do hereby certify Luther Cook, before whom the foregoing affidavit pur- ports to have been sworn to upon the date of the same one of the Justices of the Peace in and for said County, And further that I am well acquainted with his hand writing and readily believe his name subscribed to said affidavit to be his own proper hand writing & signature, Witness my hand and Seal of office this 16 th day of February 1833 J W Shenman CLK

On the matter of Joel Elmer, Application for a Pension. State of New York } On this twenty first day of June in Albany County } the Year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty three. Personally appeared before the subscriber a Justice of the peace in and for the County aforesaid, Joel Elmer who being duly sworn according to law doth depose and say, that when he made his application for a pension on the thirteenth day of February one thousand eight hundred and thirty three, before the court of general Sessions of the said county, under the act of Congress of June 7 th 1832. to which this is an amendment, he now repeats, that he entered the service of the United States as a private soldier about the first of April in the year 1777, under Capt. Rogers, in Colonel Enos' regiment, Genl. Parsons brigade of the Connec- ticut State troops, that he enlisted in Sharon in Litchfield county Connecticut, as stated in his declaration, and joined the company commanded by Capt. Rogers in the town of Cornwall, and marched from Cornwall to Horse neck, the place of rendez- vous, and was placed under the command of said Col. Enos, remained at Horse neck a few weeks, (the exact time not recollect- ed) from thence marched to Crumpond in the State of New York, and remained a few days and from thence to West Point, and there remained a great part of the summer, and assisted in building Fort Putnam, From West Point crossed the river to East Chester, and burned a vessel which was laden with supplies for the British troops, At the time the vessel was burned we took about thirty Tories prisoners, From thence marched to Horse neck again. His term of enlistment having expired, I was dismissed and went home, Served in this enlistment six months as a private soldier for which time he claims a pension, He knows of no one living that knows of his having served in this enlistment except Eldr John Bostwick of Pike, County & State aforesaid whose affidavit is attached to his declaration.
And this deponent further saith that in April 1778 he enlisted at the Sharon Litchfield County Ct. into the forage Department under Capt. Sears, and Col. Hays & Bostwick, as a teamster and served as he stated in his declaration for six months as a private soldier, for which time he claims a pension, was dismissed and went home. I have no written discharge from this enlistment, neither do I know of any one that can testify to my having served as above stated, but pray for a favorable consideration of the department.

And this deponent further saith that he entered the service of the United States as a substitute for his brother Daniel Elmer at Sharon Ct. in the regular troops, in the latter part of fall or first part of winter 1778, and served as a static in his declaration in Capt. Green Company, Col. Brattle, Regiment, Gen. Huntington Brigade. In the spring after the snow was all gone his brother Daniel Elmer for whom he was a substitute came to his relief, and he was dismissed and went home. He served at this time as a private soldier, and by reason of old age and the consequent loss of memory he cannot swear positively that he served four months, but doth depose and say that he served three months, and for such service he claims a pension. He knows of no person living who he can get to testify to his having served as above stated.
And this deponent further saith that in July 1779 he entered the service of the United States as a substitute for his brother Daniel Elmer Jr. at Nelson Point on the Hudson River opposite West Point, a short time before the taking of Stony Point by Gen. Wayne. He was in Col. Swift's regt. in Gen. Huntington's Brigade, and served as a static in his declaration until orders were given to march to winter quarters, at Valley Forge in Pennsylvania. He crossed the Hudson river at Kings Ferry and encamped in the woods about one mile from the river, when his brother Daniel Elmer Junior, the man for whom he was a substitute, came to his relief when he was dismissed and went home it being near or about Christmas, having been in the service about five months, as a private soldier, and for such time he claims a pension. He knows of no person living that he can get to substantiate his deposition, but prays for a favorable consideration of the department.
This deponent further saith that the first of February 1782 he was drafted in the town of Sharon Litchfield County Ct. for two months. He marched from Sharon under command of Capt. Bristol and Lieut. Goff, to the garrison near  at Stamford, when he joined the regiment commanded by Lieut. Col. Saml. Bangs who signed the sergeant's warrant accompanying the declaration. He was appointed a sergeant and performed the duties of his office for two months for which time he claims a pension, he was dismissed and went home. that he knows of no person now living that has any knowledge of his service, and sends his sergeant's warrant as his only proof of service.
Jacob Elmer
Sworn to and subscribed this
21 st day June 1833 before me Peter Slonaker Justice of Peace

Clerks Office
Alleghany County Pa
J Hudson
W Thenman Clerk of said County do certify that Porter Hanks Esqr before whom the within Affidavit purports to have been sworn was at the date of the same one of the Justices of the peace in & for said County And that I am well acquainted with his handwriting and verily believe his name subscribed thereto to be his own proper handwriting & signature Witness my hand & seal at Office this 26 th day of June 1833
J W Thenman Clerk

6 mo. Term not in Continental Corps - 3 mo. Substitute for father 5 mo. " " for brother in the regular army - both appear by the rolls not to have been substituted at any time - disallowed
Adm'd 2 mo. length 6 mo. service
30 3/4

State of New York, Albany County, ss.
On this twelfth day of July, one thousand eight hundred and forty-eight, personally appeared before me Samuel White  Gideon Walker a justice of the peace in and for the county aforesaid, Zillah Elmer, a resident of the town of Hume in the county of Albany and State of New York, aged Eighty four years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on her oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed on the 2d February, 1848, granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary war. That she is the widow of Joel Elmer who was a Private and Sergeant in the army of the Revolution, and died on the 13 th day of August, 1844; and that she is the identical person who drew a pension under the act of the 17, June, 1844, on account of the revolutionary service of her husband the above named Joel Elmer, at the rate of Thirty dollars per annum. She further declares that she is still a widow.
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written, before Gideon L. Walker, Justice of the Peace. In presence of A. H. Jones
Zillah Elmer mark
I certify that the above named affiant is personally known to me, and that she is the same individual who drew a pension, as stated by her in the foregoing affidavit. And I further certify that she cannot write her name for the reason of age and bodily infirmity.
Gideon L. Walker, Justice of the Peace.
The name of Samuel White was erased & that of Gideon L. Walker inserted before signing G. L. Walker, Justice of the Peace.

State of New York Albany County ss
I Martin Butts Clerk of the said County and also Clerk of the Courts of Record held in & for said County Do hereby certify that Gideon L. Walker Esquire the justice before whom the annexed affidavit was taken and by the annexed certificate was made, was at the time of taking such affida- vit and of making such certificate a justice of the Peace in & for said County and duly author- ized to take the said affidavit. And I fur- ther certify that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of said justice and verily believe that his name signed to the said affidavit and cer- tificate to be his genuine hand writing.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscri- bed my name and affixed my offi- cial seal & seal of the said County this thirteenth day of July 1848.
Martin Butts Clerk
A. J. Stevens Peachford N.Y.
Cones